The Ham & Cheese Croissant from Unregular Bakery in Nyc is life changing.
The HAM & CHEESE CROISSANT from Unregular Bakery in NYC is life changing. 🥐🔥🤤 is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Devour Power TV on YouTube.
Prep: 7 min | Cook: 9 min | Total: 21 min
Cost: $65.60 total, $32.80 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Croissant Wheel (freshly baked, cut horizontally in half)
- 4 slices Deli Ham (thinly sliced, preferably smoked)
- 4 slices Provolone Cheese (full‑fat, sliced)
- 2 tablespoons Pesto (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon Rosemary Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, infused with rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (softened, for pan‑frying)
- 1 pinch Salt (to taste)
- 1 pinch Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Slice the Croissant
Place the croissant wheel on a cutting board and cut it horizontally into two equal halves using a serrated knife.
Time: PT2M
Brush with Rosemary Olive Oil
Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the cut surfaces of both croissant halves with the rosemary‑infused olive oil.
Time: PT1M
Spread Pesto
Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto on the inner side of the top half of the croissant.
Time: PT1M
Add Ham
Layer the 4 slices of ham evenly over the pesto‑coated side.
Time: PT1M
Add Provolone Cheese
Place the 4 slices of provolone on top of the ham.
Time: PT1M
Close the Sandwich
Place the bottom half of the croissant on top, press gently to hold everything together.
Time: PT1M
Preheat Skillet
Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F) until hot.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 350°F
Melt Butter
Add the tablespoon of butter to the skillet and let it melt, swirling to coat the surface.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: 350°F
Grill the Sandwich
Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet, press gently with a spatula, and cook for about 3 minutes until the bottom is golden. Flip and cook another 3 minutes, covering the pan with a lid for the last minute to melt the cheese fully.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: 350°F
Serve
Remove the sandwich, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while hot and melty.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 35g
- Fat
- 25g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Not vegetarian, Not vegan
Allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Croissant Wheel: store‑bought croissant roll, brioche bun
- Instead of Deli Ham: turkey ham, smoked turkey
- Instead of Provolone Cheese: mozzarella, Swiss cheese
- Instead of Pesto: basil sauce, garlic butter
- Instead of Rosemary Olive Oil: regular olive oil, herb butter
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, olive oil
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Small Bowl
- Pastry Brush or Spoon
- Skillet or Frying Pan
- Spatula
- Serving Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slice the croissant evenly to maintain structure
- Preheat the skillet to the correct temperature (350°F)
- Melt the cheese fully without burning the croissant
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra aroma, lightly toast the rosemary olive oil in the pan before adding the sandwich
- A thin layer of mayo on the bottom half adds richness without making the sandwich soggy
Troubleshooting
Croissant becomes soggy after grilling
Pat the cut surfaces dry before brushing oil and ensure the skillet is hot before adding the sandwich.
Cheese does not melt fully
Cover the pan with a lid for the last minute of cooking or lower the heat slightly and cook a bit longer.
Storage
Refrigerator: Wrap tightly in foil or airtight container; consume within 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended – the croissant texture becomes soggy after thawing.
Room temperature: Best served immediately; can sit up to 1 hour at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the sandwich without grilling and store wrapped in the fridge for up to 12 hours; brush with oil and spread pesto just before cooking
- You can pre‑slice the croissant and keep the halves separate to maintain flakiness
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the ham and cheese croissant sandwich in New York City cuisine?
The ham and cheese croissant sandwich reflects New York City’s blend of classic deli flavors with French pastry techniques, popularized by bakeries in Union Square that serve fresh croissant wheels as a base for hearty sandwich fillings.
How did the tradition of using croissant wheels for sandwiches develop in the Union Square area of New York City?
Union Square’s bakeries began offering oversized croissant wheels in the early 2000s, catering to busy office workers who wanted a portable, flaky alternative to traditional bread, leading to the rise of croissant‑based sandwiches like this ham and provolone version.
What regional variations of ham and cheese sandwiches exist within American cuisine, and how does this New York version differ?
Across the U.S., ham and cheese sandwiches range from simple rye‑bread versions in the Midwest to toasted sourdough in the West. The New York version stands out by using a buttery croissant, rosemary‑infused olive oil, and pesto, adding a Mediterranean twist to the classic deli combo.
What occasions or celebrations is the ham and provolone croissant sandwich traditionally associated with in New York City culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, this sandwich is a staple for quick lunches, brunch gatherings, and after‑work meet‑ups in the city’s bustling neighborhoods, especially around Union Square’s office crowds.
What authentic ingredients are traditionally used in a New York‑style ham and cheese croissant sandwich, and what are acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include a freshly baked croissant wheel, thinly sliced deli ham, provolone cheese, rosemary‑infused olive oil, and pesto. Substitutes can be a regular croissant roll, turkey ham, mozzarella, regular olive oil, or a basil‑garlic spread.
What other New York‑style dishes pair well with this ham and provolone croissant sandwich?
Pair it with a side of mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette, a classic New York bagel with cream cheese, or a cup of strong coffee or cold brew for a balanced lunch.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the ham and provolone croissant sandwich?
Common mistakes include oversaturating the croissant with oil, using a cold skillet which prevents proper browning, and not covering the pan, which can leave the cheese under‑melted. Follow the critical steps for best results.
Why does this recipe call for rosemary olive oil and pesto instead of plain butter for spreading?
Rosemary olive oil adds a fragrant herb note that complements the ham, while pesto introduces fresh basil flavor and moisture, creating a more complex taste profile than plain butter alone.
Can I make the ham and provolone croissant sandwich ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can assemble the sandwich (without grilling) and wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Grill it just before serving to retain the croissant’s flakiness.
What does the YouTube channel Devour Power TV specialize in?
The YouTube channel Devour Power TV specializes in quick, street‑food‑inspired recipes and urban snack hacks, focusing on flavorful twists to classic sandwiches and portable meals for busy city dwellers.
How does the YouTube channel Devour Power TV's approach to New York‑style sandwich cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Devour Power TV emphasizes on‑the‑go preparation, using fresh bakery items and bold flavor combos like rosemary oil and pesto, whereas many other channels stick to traditional bread‑based sandwiches without the pastry element.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
